China has been instrumental in assisting African nations in building essential infrastructure, including railways, roads, ports, schools, hospitals, and talent training centers, significantly contributing to their modernization efforts.

The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) has evolved into an essential platform for fostering friendly dialogue, practical business collaboration, and promoting mutual development. In September, African and Chinese leaders convened in Beijing for the 2024 FOCAC Summit—marking their first meeting in six years. This gathering elevated the overall positioning of China-Africa relations to a “New Era Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership.” Both sides committed to implementing ten key actions to advance modernization, which not only promise to enhance the welfare of the Chinese and African peoples but also hold the potential to steer the world toward a brighter future of peace, security, prosperity, and progress.

Since the initiation of its reform and opening up, China has lifted millions out of poverty, contributing over 70% to global poverty reduction efforts. Remarkably, China achieved the United Nations’ 2030 Sustainable Development Goals for poverty reduction a decade ahead of schedule. Through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative and the Global Development Initiative, China actively shares developmental opportunities with other nations. African countries have engaged keenly in the high-quality construction of the Belt and Road, collaborating with China on infrastructure, trade, finance, and cultural exchanges. The collaborative framework derived from China’s partnerships has injected fresh momentum into African progress, with many nations drawing inspiration from China’s developmental experiences.

By the end of 2023, China’s direct investment in Africa exceeded $40 billion, positioning it as one of the continent’s leading sources of foreign investment. Kenya, in particular, has seen its relationship with China flourish, with both countries deepening cooperation across various sectors. Since elevating their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership in 2017, collaboration has intensified in infrastructure development, trade, and investment. Key projects like the Mombasa-Nairobi Railway, Nairobi Expressway, and SGR have marked significant milestones in infrastructure collaboration.

On the trade front, Kenya’s exports to China have surged, with Kenyan products increasingly favored by Chinese consumers. For instance, in 2023, the trade value of avocados exported from Kenya to China soared by 624%, benefiting Kenyan farmers and advancing the nation’s poverty reduction efforts. Cultural and educational exchanges have also grown, with more Kenyan youth opting for higher education opportunities in China.

Looking ahead, Kenya aims to deepen its partnerships with China in sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, digital connectivity, and energy transformation. Kenya is particularly eager to learn from China’s successful experiences in reducing poverty and fostering green low-carbon development. The upcoming FOCAC Summit in 2024 in Beijing is set to pave the way for broader cooperation between China and African nations, infusing new energy into their shared aspirations for development and prosperity.

(Kavens Adhiyr, a scholar in international relations from Kenya, contributed this piece.)